The Spirit started the season with a surprise win against Wellington in the capital last week but struggled to match the physicality of the Canterbury forward pack.
Black Ferns first five Kendra Cocksedge produced a flawless performance with the boot. She landed four penalties, two either side of halftime, and converted both tries in a wonderful display.
Canterbury opened the scoring with a penalty after 15 minutes and then scored a try moments later to seize the initiative.
Another penalty from the boot of Cocksedge saw the lead balloon to 13 points.
The Spirit then replied through second five Victoria Nafatali, who finished off a fine team try which began with a sweeping back movement.
Kelly Brazier knocked over the conversion to trim the gap to six points.
Canterbury outpaced Otago on the flank and cut back in to score what proved to be the decisive try nine minutes later.
Spirit manager Toni Pelasio said Otago fought valiantly in the second spell and did well to restrict Canterbury to just two penalties.
"In the first 20 minutes, we got blown off the park," Pelasio said.
"To be perfectly honest, Canterbury is a big, strong, fast team and they've got some huge locks.
"Kendra ran the backline and she didn't miss a kick at goal.
"To keep them to six in the second half was a good effort. It was a hard day at the office for the forwards, it really was. But considering the size difference, we did do well.
"Kat Wilton just ground away all day and, in our backline, every time Halie Hurring got the ball she broke the advantage line and made some huge metres.
"Claire Richardson at centre was probably our player of the day. She had a great work rate and defended really, really well."
Otago has a bye next week, before hosting Hawkes Bay and Manawatu.
